CURZON ASHTON 1, CHESTER FC 2
Curzon Ashton failed to extend their unbeaten run in National League North to four matches as they were beaten at home by Chester FC.
It was a game which certainly didn’t follow recent form as Chester ended a run of three straight league losses with victory at the Tameside Stadium.
The last meeting between the two sides resulted in a 4-3 win for The Nash.
This game, however, didn’t begin in the barnstorming manner the previous meeting ended.
Chester arguably had the better of the early play, albeit with little to show for their efforts.
That was until the 20th minute when captain Alex Kenyon nodded in the opener from a corner for the visitors.
Other than a speculative Ryan Hall effort just before the break, The Nash showed little fight in an attempt to restore parity.
Manager Adam Lakeland rallied his troops for the second half, and it didn’t take long until The Nash were level in the 52nd minute.
Will Hayhurst’s teasing ball was met by Tom Peers, who headed past goalkeeper Harry Tyrer.
Despite dominating, Curzon failed to capitalise and as a result, were punished again in the 68th minute.
This time striker Kurt Willoughby swept a close-range shot past goalkeeper Chris Renshaw following pressure by Darren Stephenson who charged forward and square a pass for the striker to score.
Five minutes later, some customary Renshaw heroics saved The Nash from a heavier defeat as he denied Stephenson.
Curzon will be hoping for better fortunes in their next game against Gloucester City while Chester face current table-toppers King’s Lynn.
Goals: Tom Peers (52) for Curzon Ashton. Alex Kenyon (20), Kurt Willoughby (67) for Chester FC.
Curzon Ashton (4-2-3-1): Renshaw; Richards, Poscha, Matthews, Hampson; Barton (Waring 79), Walker (Mahon 76); Hall, Hayhurst (Lowe 68), Hancock; Peers.
Report: Rhys Jones.